Dutch Republic Dbq Analysis
AP European History
24 October 2012
The Dutch: Divided and Deeply Indebted
The signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 ended the Thirty Years’ War and brought about the formation of the independent Dutch Republic, a coalition of the seven provinces of the Netherlands. During the mid 17th century, the Dutch became the wealthiest and most active trading and shipbuilding people in Europe. By dominating most trading routes in the Baltic and Atlantic Seas, the Dutch Republic earned recognition as an influential nation. This booming economy would eventually encounter challenges during the late 17th century that would cost the Dutch their monopoly over trade routes and influence amongst other European powers. The decline of the Dutch Republic …show more content…
The rapid success of Dutch trading ventures captured the attention of other European nations who were ready to destroy the Republic’s security through several military battles. Leading the charges was England, who clearly demonstrated its resentment throughout the Anglo-Dutch wars. Between 1652 and 1674, there were 2,000-2,700 Dutch ships seized by the English, at least four times the amount seized by the Dutch (Doc 3). It goes to show the intensity with which the Dutch were being torn down from their powerful position. France joined the attack on the republic by allying with England. Signed in 1670, the Treaty of Dover plainly lays out the goal of the foreign powers: “Each of the allied sovereigns will the jointly declare war on the Dutch Republic” (Doc 6). This official document reflects the actions and feelings …show more content…
The republic was a confederation: a weak union of strong provinces. While the Dutch did little to change this, outsiders like Sir George Downing, the English ambassador to the Dutch Republic, pounced on this weakness. In his letter back to the English government, Sir Downing writes, “The government of the Dutch Republic is a shattered and divided thing” (Doc 4). With the exception of Holland, the provinces were poor and weak individually; the nation could not sustain itself if each region isolated itself. Unfortunately, Dutch sentiment was stuck to the idea of free and separate provinces, which proved to be ineffective when trying to elect a military commander to lead troops against France. According to a government report from the time, the “mutual distrust among the Dutch provinces hindered deliberations on how to oppose the violent attacks of Louis XIV” (Doc 9). Had the provinces been able to come to a consensus on this issue, they might have had a fighting chance. However, to fight means to have resources. There was a steady supply of soldiers willing to battle but never enough money to cover all of the costs. The rhetorical question phrased in a political packet from Amsterdam comments on the society: “But who, other than wealthy citizens of Amsterdam, much like a rich milk cow, is to furnish the money?” (Doc 10). The
24 October 2012
The Dutch: Divided and Deeply Indebted
The signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 ended the Thirty Years’ War and brought about the formation of the independent Dutch Republic, a coalition of the seven provinces of the Netherlands. During the mid 17th century, the Dutch became the wealthiest and most active trading and shipbuilding people in Europe. By dominating most trading routes in the Baltic and Atlantic Seas, the Dutch Republic earned recognition as an influential nation. This booming economy would eventually encounter challenges during the late 17th century that would cost the Dutch their monopoly over trade routes and influence amongst other European powers. The decline of the Dutch Republic …show more content…
The rapid success of Dutch trading ventures captured the attention of other European nations who were ready to destroy the Republic’s security through several military battles. Leading the charges was England, who clearly demonstrated its resentment throughout the Anglo-Dutch wars. Between 1652 and 1674, there were 2,000-2,700 Dutch ships seized by the English, at least four times the amount seized by the Dutch (Doc 3). It goes to show the intensity with which the Dutch were being torn down from their powerful position. France joined the attack on the republic by allying with England. Signed in 1670, the Treaty of Dover plainly lays out the goal of the foreign powers: “Each of the allied sovereigns will the jointly declare war on the Dutch Republic” (Doc 6). This official document reflects the actions and feelings …show more content…
The republic was a confederation: a weak union of strong provinces. While the Dutch did little to change this, outsiders like Sir George Downing, the English ambassador to the Dutch Republic, pounced on this weakness. In his letter back to the English government, Sir Downing writes, “The government of the Dutch Republic is a shattered and divided thing” (Doc 4). With the exception of Holland, the provinces were poor and weak individually; the nation could not sustain itself if each region isolated itself. Unfortunately, Dutch sentiment was stuck to the idea of free and separate provinces, which proved to be ineffective when trying to elect a military commander to lead troops against France. According to a government report from the time, the “mutual distrust among the Dutch provinces hindered deliberations on how to oppose the violent attacks of Louis XIV” (Doc 9). Had the provinces been able to come to a consensus on this issue, they might have had a fighting chance. However, to fight means to have resources. There was a steady supply of soldiers willing to battle but never enough money to cover all of the costs. The rhetorical question phrased in a political packet from Amsterdam comments on the society: “But who, other than wealthy citizens of Amsterdam, much like a rich milk cow, is to furnish the money?” (Doc 10). The